LEAP and Autism

LEAP (an acronym for Learning Experiences - An Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents) is an educational programme in which small groups of children with autism are taught alongside a small number of typically developing children.

LEAP is based on the idea that children with autism will learn better in integrated settings alongside their typically developing peers provided that those peers have been taught how to help them.

The LEAP curriculum is designed to develop social and emotional growth, enhance language and communication abilities, increase independence in work and play activities, facilitate choice making, increase capacity to cope with transitions and improve behaviour, and improve overall cognition and physical abilities

Each child with autism has an individually designed educational plan, which includes the mainstream curriculum, as well as specific objectives, behaviours and social interactions.